Hasbro Has Released ‘Monopoly for Millennials’ and It’s Getting a Lot of Backlash

Hasbro/Walmart

Hasbro is experiencing some blowback from its attempt to be funny with the release of their new Monopoly for Millennials game. Some people are not amused by it at all.

The board game features game mascot Uncle Pennybags sporting a pair of holographic shades, headphones, and a participation medal while holding a coffee cup. Oh, and of course he’s taking a selfie.

Backdrop images include a bike zone sign and meat-free sign with a tagline on the front of the box that says, “Forget real estate. You can’t afford it anyway.” Staying to true its ad, the game has players aiming for experiences like travel, food, shopping, or a meditation retreat. The player who racks up the most experiences wins.

Members of Gen Y were in their feelings and expressed their outrage on social media. Upset the game is targeting them for their attitudes and financial status, some commenters said things like:

“Can you provide the URL for the Hasbro-official website featuring ‘Monopoly for Millennials,’ where you trash on my age demographic because baby boomers caused an economic catastrophe that rendered us financially impotent for a decade? Thanks!”

“Let’s play a game of MILLENNIAL MONOPOLY. The rules are simple, you start with no money, you can’t afford anything, the board is on fire for some reason and everything is your fault.”

Not everyone finds the game offensive, with some millennials cracking up over it and finding the angered reactions to be a perfect example of a “millennial mindset”. Other people commented that folks should remember it’s a game and to lighten up.

Opinions are mixed, but Hasbro is sticking to its guns and stated that millennials on their staff helped with creating the game. They told People:

“We created Monopoly for Millennials to provide fans with a lighthearted game that allows Millennials to take a break from real life and laugh at the relatable experiences and labels that can sometimes be placed on them.

With many of us being Millennials ourselves, we understand the seemingly endless struggles and silly generalizations that young Millennials can face (and we can’t even!). Whether you are a lifestyle vlogger, emoji lover or you make your “side hustle” selling vegan candles, Monopoly for Millennials is for you!”

This special edition is available at Walmart, costs about $20, and is recommended for ages 8 and up. Will you be buying one? What do you think of the game and the angry reactions? Are you a millennial who is offended or are you good with this?